It looks like I'm heading back onto the job market. Which means I'm likely to be interviewing around soon, and competing against several other similarly qualified candidates.

Everything I'm looking at (currently) is a step up salarywise from my current position, which is actually relatively low for someone with my experience and responsibilities. I'm well qualified to perform the required duties.

Problem is, my interview skills are atrocious. Especially when I'm desperate and/or really want a particular position. I don't make eye contact, I don't smile, I slouch, I fidget, I stammer out responses. Of course, in a normal work setting I can be perfectly approachable, personable, and articulate. It's just when it matters to my career that suddenly I'm unable to control these impulses.

So, I'm thinking, should I take a shot of bourbon followed by some mouthwash to mask the alcohol smell before I go in to my interviews? I'm half kidding, of course. But all other things being equal, a job candidate who's professional, evened-out, calm, and confident is always going to beat out the nervous, fidgety guy.

This may be a bit unorthodox, but I'd tell the interviewer right up front that you haven't been on an interview in quite a while and you are a bit nervous. Express that you are confident in your job skills but not so polished at interviewing.

This may be a bit unorthodox, but I'd tell the interviewer right up front that you haven't been on an interview in quite a while and you are a bit nervous. Express that you are confident in your job skills but not so polished at interviewing.

Excellent!

I can sell-cold call over the phone, but my interview skills are lacking. Usually your interviewer will say something like"how are you", which is right where I respond,"just the usual interview jitters". That breaks the ice for me, and lets them know I am not at my best.

+1 to honesty - that's something they will remember and likely appreciate.

You really should work on getting over the eye contact thing, it's
very important to project confidence and competence in a face to
face interview.

A shot of Bourbon is a terrible idea.

They understand you are going to be nervous, so don't worry about
looking so damn nervous. You know you're qualified, you stated that,
so go into the interview prepared. Look over the company information
and get acquainted with their style.

So when you walk in you already know them. Then go about explaining
why you are qualified, just like you did in this post at the beginning.

A couple deep breaths work (seriously) to physically slow your heart
rate and control physical anxiety.

__________________Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world! - Kaiser Wilhelm

But all other things being equal, a job candidate who's professional, evened-out, calm, and confident is always going to beat out the nervous, fidgety guy.

That's totally untrue. Not having the skills they are looking for is the deal breaker. Poor communications skills is also a deal breaker. Not showing up for an interview, lying on you resume (so easy to spot BTW), being late, not being prepared, all those are deal breakers.

Lots and Lots of Engineers have confidence issues in interviews - in fact most I think.